How to Make a Bookshelf Out of Encyclopedias

With the extensive amount of information available on the Internet, very few people use encyclopedias anymore. A great way to utilize those old, unused encyclopedias is to make a bookshelf out of them. These bookshelves are an inexpensive, easy way to add an intriguing decorative touch to a room. Read on to learn how to make a bookshelf out of encyclopedias.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 set of encyclopedias
• 12 "L" brackets
• Screws
• Drill
• Nuts and bolts

1. Lay an encyclopedia on the floor with the binding of the book facing you. Place another encyclopedia vertically against the book lying on the floor. The edges need to be flush with each other.

2. Place the "L" bracket one inch from the front of the book. Drill a hole where the bracket holes are located. Go through the books so that you pierce the back cover but do not go all the way through the book.

3. Secure the bracket to the books with screws.

4. Line another vertical encyclopedia up on the other side of the flat encyclopedia. It also needs to be flush with the flat book. Attach an "L" bracket one inch from the back of the book as you did with the front bracket.

5. Turn the encyclopedias on their side. Place an encyclopedia between the top of the vertical encyclopedias to form a box.

6. Attach the "L" brackets with screws on all four corners of the top book.

7. Drill a hole in the middle of the bottom and side encyclopedias. The holes need to be about one inch from the back edge of the book-block. Drill the hole all the way through the book. Place the bolts in the drilled hole. Screw the nut on to hold the encyclopedias together.

8. Repeat these steps for the next shelf. Use an extra long bolt to attach the top encyclopedia of the bottom block to the bottom encyclopedia of the top block. Make as many levels of blocks as you have encyclopedias to spare.

Tips & Warnings

• Make as many encyclopedia shelves as you want. Stretch the shelves taller or wider to fit your space.
• Make the shelves out of other hardback books that are similar in height.